Brooklynn Bell, 13, Rainier, and Emma Gulley, 14, Roy, are the Northwest Junior Rodeo Association’s (NJRA) newest royalty.
Bell earned the title of queen while Gulley was named princess on Saturday, Feb. 24, at a coronation ceremony at Little Creek Casino. Both girls, who are home-schooled, participated in royalty tryouts, which included an application, horsemanship pattern, queen wave run, national anthem flag run, panel interview, knowledge test, modeling and speech.
“It means a lot to me. I feel like it’s a great opportunity to represent the rodeo community,” Bell said.
Gulley added being the face of the association brings a little pressure, especially as they will participate in many rodeo events during the summer that lead up to the 2024 NJRA Finals Rodeo. Dates and locations for the rodeo events will be announced at a later date.
“There’s a little bit of pressure because you have to talk to some sponsors, and you have to be on your A-game the whole time because everyone’s looking at you,” she said. “You’re like the bigger sister to every kid in the association. It’s really nice to be able to represent the rodeo community.”
Both teens have participated with the NJRA for a couple of years. Bell has ridden horses since she was a baby but did not get involved with rodeos until three years ago. Gulley jumped into the rodeo lifestyle at the age of 11 but has family roots in the community.
They both qualified and competed at the 2023 NJRA Finals Rodeo, which was held in Yelm at Stewart’s Arena in September. Bell excelled in goat tying, breakaway roping and steer daubing, while Gulley shined in barrel racing and goat tying.
Bell hopes to compete for royalty in bigger associations, such as Miss Rodeo Washington or Miss Rodeo America, and Gulley hasn’t decided what her next step will be after rodeo season ends. Both teens said the royalty tryout process and involvement with the NJRA will set them up for success in whatever path they choose.
“It’s a great leadership opportunity. It helps you not only mature but also get a little feel of what it’s like behind the scenes of a rodeo,” Gulley said.
“Any little girl that thinks they can do it should totally do it,” Bell added.
For more information about the NJRA and its upcoming rodeo events, visit https://www.nwjra.org/.
